Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ADAPTER AND DISPENSER FOR CORELESS
ROLLS OF PRODUCTS
Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to the field of commercial and consumer roll form
products, absorbent paper products, which inciudes toilet tissue and paper
towels.
more specifically, this invention relates to an improved dispenser and method
of
dispensing a coreless roll of absorbent paper product.
Background of the Invention
Commercial and consumer absorbent products such as shop towels,
nonwoven fabrics, wipers, toilet tissue and paper towels are often distributed
and
dispensed in roll format. Most products in this format include a cylindrical
core at
the center of the roll. Typically, the product is wrapped about the core. Most
roll
format product dispensers require this core to function properly. The core is
usually some type of cardboard tube, plastic tube, or solid spindle which is
glued to
the product so that the product does not separate from the core.
Product is normally loaded by mounting the roll on a spindle in a manner
simiiar to the ubiquitous bathroom toilet roll dispenser. The spindle passes
through
or otherwise penetrates the inner space of the core. Some dispensers include
pegs that penetrate the hollow space within the core for only a limited
extent, as
demonstrated in U.S. Patents 390,084 and 2,905,404 to Lane and Simmons,
respectively
Recently, coreless rolls of products such as, for example, toilet tissue have
appeared on the market, primarily in Europe. These coreless rolls are wound
throughout the entire diameter of the roll. There are advantages and
disadvantages associated with the coreless rolls. Coreless roils are
ecologically
superior to cored rolls because they lack the central core made of plastic,
cardboard or other material. In addition, more product can be provided in the
space that would otherwise have been occupied by the core.
Cored rolls are more expensive to manufacture than coreless rolls because
of the expense of making the cores and joining the cores to the product. In
addition, coreless rolls have the advantage of being less subject to pilferage
in
commercial locations because of their inherent incompatibility with
conventional
dispensers.
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On the other hand, coreless roll products have dispensing problems that
are difficult to overcome. Coreless rolls do not fit into conventional core
roll
dispensers. Moreover, even though coreless rolls are less likely to be
pilfered
because they are incompatible with conventional dispensing systems, the lack
of a
core and spindle passing through the product that can be locked makes it
relatively
difficult to keep the coreless format product secure.
Conventional dispensers for coreless rolls typically include an enclosed
surface that supports the roll as it turns, and an opening through which the
product
is passed. While functional, these dispensers have some undesirable
characteristics, including an inability to control drag resistance to
withdrawal of the
product; the fact that the product actually touches the inside of the
dispenser,
which might be considered unsanitary by some consumers; and an inability to
provide 180 degree product access to the consumer. Some dispensers for
coreless rolls have pressure plates and pins that project into the side of the
roll
between the layers of product. It can be difficult to center the roll during
loading of
these dispenser without a centering device and the pressure plate and pins can
easily be pried back to release the roll from the dispenser.
Accordingly, it is clear that a need exists for an adapter to convert
conventional cored roll dispensers to handle coreless rolls. A need also
exists for a
coreless roll dispenser that can secure a coreless roll against pilferage.
There is
also a need for an adapter to convert conventional core roll dispensers to
dispense
coreless rolls of absorbent consumer and commercial paper products. There is a
further need or a dispenser that can dispense coreless rolls of absorbent
consumer and commercial paper products so they can be secured against
pilferage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The problems described above are addressed by the present invention
which encompasses an adapter for converting a core roll product dispenser into
a
dispenser for a coreless roll product having a pair of depressions defined in
the
ends of the coreless roll.
The adapter includes: (1) a housing defining a central cavity and an
opening at an end of the central cavity; (2) a retractable plunger having a
distal
end, a central shaft, and a base, the retractable plunger being configured so
the
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base and a first portion of the central shaft is retained in the housing and
the distal
end and a second portion of the central shaft extends through the opening at
an
end of the central cavity so the plunger is adapted to penetrate a depression
defined at an end of a coreless roll product; (3) resilient means in
communication
with the plunger, the resilient means being configured to apply a force
against the
plunger so the plunger is adapted to retract into the central cavity when a
greater
opposing force is applied against its distal end during loading and extend
when the
greater opposing force is removed; and (4) attachment means for securing the
adapter to a core roll product dispenser.
According to the invention, the housing of the adapter may further includes
a mounting base so the adapter may be more easily attached to a core roll
product
dispenser.
The resilient means in communication with the plunger may be a spring,
clip, sponge, elastomeric material or the like which can be compressed, wound
or
drawn so the plunger may be retracted and which exerts a force while
compressed, wound or drawn so the plunger can be extended.
The base of the plunger may be configured to define an opening to a cavity
at the interior of the plunger. The resilient means may protrude into the
cavity at
the interior of the plunger. For example, if the resilient means is a spring,
the
spring may protrude into the base of the plunger.
In an embodiment of the invention, the opening at the end of the central
cavity may be circular. The opening may be trianguiar, square, diamond, semi-
circular, "X", "Y" or "T" -shaped or the like. Desirably, the opening at the
end of the
central cavity will match the cross-section of the plunger. Accordingly, the
plunger
may have cross-section that is circular, triangular, square, diamond, semi-
circular,
"X", "Y" or "T" -shaped or the like.
It is desirable that the plunger has a cross-section width of at least 1
centimeter. If the plunger has a circular cross-section, it is desirable that
the
diameter be at least 1 centimeter. The distal end of the plunger may have a
radius
of curvature and desirably defines a hemisphere. Of course, other geometries
are
contemplated for the shape of the distal end of the plunger. It is also
contemplated that the plunger may have a narrow width or a variable width.
The distal end of the plunger may extend from the opening at the end of
the housing for a distance that is greater than the width of the plunger. For
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example, if the plunger has a cross-section width of about 1 centimeter, it is
desirable for the distal end of the plunger to extend more than about 1
centimeter
from the opening at the end of the housing. As a further example, the distal
end of
the plunger may extend for 1.25 centimeters, 1. 5 centimeters, 1.75
centimeters,
2.0 centimeters , or 2.25 centimeters or more. A greater extension of the
plunger
helps provides greater penetration into the depressions defined at the ends of
the
coreless roll product and helps to prevent pilferage of the coreless roll
product
from the dispenser.
A retracting means in communication with the retractable plunger may be
used for retracting the plunger against the force applied by the resilient
means.
The retracting means may be a knob, a lever and cam mechanism, a pull or the
like.
In an embodiment of the invention, a locking means for holding the
retractable plunger in an extended position may be included in the adapter.
The
locking means may be a cam, lever, ratchet, cotter pin or the like. The
locking
means may be activated by a key or pin.
The retractable plunger may further include a retaining means for
preventing the retractable plunger from passing entirely through the opening
at an
end of the central cavity. This retaining means may be, for example, a flange,
a
lip, a pin, a wedge or similar structure.
The present invention also encompasses a dispenser for a coreless roll
product having a pair of depressions defined in the ends of the coreless roll.
The
dispenser includes: a frame; mounting means for permitting the frame to be
mounted to a stationary surface such as a wall; and a coreless roll securing
means
for securing a coreless roll product for rotation within the frame. The
coreless roll
securing means contains at least one element including: (1) a housing defining
a
central cavity and an opening at an end of the central cavity; (2) a
retractable
plunger having a distal end, a central shaft, and a base, the retractable
plunger
being configured so the base and a first portion of the central shaft is
retained in
the housing and the distal end and a second portion of the central shaft
extends
through the opening at an end of the central cavity so the plunger is adapted
to
penetrate a depression defined at an end of a coreless roll product; (3)
resilient
means in communication with the plunger, the resilient means being configured
to
apply a force against the plunger so the plunger is adapted to retract into
the
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central cavity when a greater opposing force is applied against its distal end
during
loading and extend when the greater opposing force is removed; and
(4) attachment means for securing the adapter to a core roll product
dispenser.
The mounting means for the dispenser may be, for example, an opening
5 defined in the frame for a securing member such as a bolt. Other mounting
means,
such as clips, pins, screws, latches and the like may also be used.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the coreless roll securing
means may further include a pair of opposed arms that are connected to the
frame. In such an embodiment, there is mounted to an inner side of each arm an
element including: (1) a housing defining a central cavity and an opening at
an end
of the central cavity; (2) a retractable plunger having a distal end, a
central shaft,
and a base, the retractable plunger being configured so the base and a first
portion of the central shaft is retained in the housing and the distal end and
a
second portion of the central shaft extends through the opening at an end of
the
central cavity so the plunger is adapted to penetrate a depression defined at
an
end of a coreless roll product; (3) resilient means in communication with the
plunger, the resilient means being configured to apply a force against the
plunger
so the plunger is adapted to retract into the central cavity when a greater
opposing
force is applied against its distal end during loading and extend when the
greater
opposing force is removed; and (4) attachment means for securing the adapter
to
a core roll product dispenser, whereby radial displacement of the coreless
roll with
respect to said frame is prevented during use.
The dispenser may further include biasing means for resiliently biasing at
least one of the opposed arms toward the coreless roll. The biasing means may
be
in the form of at least one of the opposed arms being constructed out of a
resilient
material, so that arm (or arms) is configured so as to be slightly displaced
when a
coreless roll is secured within the dispenser.
The coreless roll securing means of the dispenser is composed of at least
one of the elements described above. These elements include resilient means in
communication with the plunger. The resilient means may be a spring, clip,
sponge, elastomeric material or the like which can be compressed, wound or
drawn so the plunger may be retracted and which exerts a force while
compressed, wound or drawn so the plunger can be extended.
The base of the plunger may be configured to define an opening to. a cavity
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at the interior of the plunger. The resilient means may protrude into the
cavity at
the interior of the plunger. For example, if the resilient means is a spring,
the
spring may protrude into the base of the plunger.
The opening at the end of the central cavity may be circular. The opening
may be triangular, square, diamond, semi-circular, "X", "Y" or "T" -shaped or
the
like. Desirably, the opening at the end of the central cavity will match the
cross-
section of the plunger. Accordingiy, the plunger may have cross-section that
is
circular, triangular, square, diamond, semi-circular, "X", "Y" or "T" -shaped
or the
like.
It is desirable that the plunger has a cross-section width of at least I
centimeter. If the plunger has a circular cross-section, it is desirable that
the
diameter be at least 1 centimeter. The distai end of the plunger may have a
radius of curvature and desirably defines a hemisphere. Of course, other
geometries are contemplated for the shape of the distal end of the plunger. It
is
also contemplated that the plunger may have a narrow width or a variable
width.
The distal end of the plunger may extend from the opening at the end of
the housing for a distance that is greater than the width of the plunger. For
example, if the plunger has a cross-section width of about 1 centimeter, it is
desirable for the distal end of the plunger to extend more than about 1
centimeter
from the opening at the end of the housing. As a further example, the distal
end of
the plunger may extend for 1.25 centimeters, 1. 5 centimeters, 1.75
centimeters,
2.0 centimeters , or 2.25 centimeters or more. A greater extension of the
plunger
helps provides greater penetration into the depressions defined at the ends of
the
coreless roll product and helps to prevent pilferage of the coreless roll
product
from the dispenser.
A retracting means in communication with the retractable plunger may be
used for retracting the plunger against the force applied by the resilient
means.
The retracting means may be a knob, a lever and cam mechanism, a pull or the
like.
In an embodiment of the invention, a locking means for holding the
retractable plunger in an extended position may be included in the adapter.
The
locking means may be a cam, lever, ratchet, cotter pin or the like. The
locking
means may be activated by a key or pin.
The retractable plunger may further include a retaining means for
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preventing the retractable plunger from passing entirely through the opening
at an
end of the central cavity. This retaining means may be, for example, a flange,
a
lip, a pin, a wedge or similar structure.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty which
characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims
annexed
hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the
invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference
should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the
accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a
to preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary adapter for converting a core roll
product dispenser to a coreless roll product dispenser.
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view depicting the adapter shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view depicting the adapter shown in FIG. 1 in a
retracted position.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a detail of an exemplary adapter.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a dispensing arm from a conventional core roll
product dispenser.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary adapter fitted in a dispensing arm
of a conventional core roll product dispenser.
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a feature of an exemplary adapter.
FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary coreless roll product dispenser.
FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary coreless roll product dispenser.
FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary coreless roll product dispenser.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate
corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to
FIG. 1,
there is shown (not necessarily to scale) an illustration of an exemplary
adapter 10
for converting a core roll product dispenser into a dispenser for a coreless
roll
product having a pair of depressions defined in the ends of the coreless roll.
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The adapter includes a housing 12 defining a central cavity 14 and an
opening 16 at an end 18 of the central cavity 14. The adapter contains a
retractable plunger 20 having a distal end 22, a central shaft 24, and a base
26.
The adapter also includes a resilient means 28 in communication with the
plunger
20. An attachment means 30 is also included on the adapter for securing the
adapter to a core roll product dispenser. In some embodiments of the
invention, a
backing plate "P" may be attached to the housing 12 to keep the resilient
means
28 contained within the adapter 10 and to allow for convenient placement of
the
plunger 20 into the central cavity 14 of the housing 12.
Referring now to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the retractable plunger 20 is
configured so the base 26 and a first portion 32 of the central shaft 24 is
retained
in the housing 12 and the distal end 22 and a second portion 34 of the central
shaft 24 extends through the opening 16 at an end of the central cavity 14 so
the
plunger is adapted to penetrate a depression defined at an end of a coreless
roll
product. The plunger may be configured so it essentially fixed or unable to
rotate
about an axis. In such case, it is desirable that the plunger be constructed
of
materials providing low levels of friction to allow the coreless roll to
rotate freely.
Alternatively, the plunger may be configured so it may rotate freely. It is
contemplated that the plunger may be configured so it is able to rotate with
the
coreless roll during dispensing.
The retractable plunger may further include a retaining means for
preventing the retractable plunger from passing entirely through the opening
at an
end of the central cavity. Generally speaking, the base 26 of the plunger may
serve as the retaining means. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the width of the base
26 is
greater than the width of the opening 16 at the end 18 of the central cavity
14. This
difference in physical size prevents the plunger from passing entirely through
the
opening. However, it is contemplated that may other types of retaining means
may
be used. Examples may include, but are not limited to, flanges, lips, pins,
collars,
rings, wedges, clips, posts, chains, leads, or similar structures or devices.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the resilient means 28 is configured to provide or
apply a force against the plunger 20 so the plunger 20 is adapted to retract
into
the central cavity 14 when a greater opposing force is applied against its
distal end
22 during loading and extend when the greater opposing force is removed. The
resilient means in communication with the plunger may be a spring, clip,
sponge,
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elastomeric material or the like which can be compressed, wound or drawn so
the
plunger may be retracted and which exerts a force while compressed, wound or
drawn so the plunger can be extended. The force provided or applied by the
resilient means serves two purposes.
First, the resilient means allows the plungers to retract during the loading
process. In some dispenser configurations the distance between the two
adapters
is fixed so it is just slightly larger than the width of the roll. The
plungers must be
able to retract in order to load the roll.
Second, the force provided or applied by the resilient means is used to
io retain the roll when the diameter of the roll is very small. The force must
be
balanced so it retains a nearly depleted roll but does not apply too much
pressure
to prevent the roll from rotating on the fixed plunger.
Referring back to FIG. 1, the base of the piunger 20 may be configured to
define an opening 36 to a cavity 38 at the interior of the plunger 20. The
resilient
means 28 may protrude into the cavity 38 at the interior of the plunger. For
exampie, if the resilient means is a spring, the spring may protrude into the
base of
the plunger.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the housing 12 of the adapter 10 may further
include a mounting base 40 so the adapter may be more easily attached to a
core
roll product dispenser. The mounting base 40 may be configured to provide a
large footprint that provides more stability and/or surface area. A large
surface
area may be advantageous if adhesives are used (alone or in combination with
other attachment means) to join the adapter to a core roll product dispenser.
FIG. 5, is an illustration of a portion of an arm typically found on
conventional core roll format product dispensers. The illustration shows a
dispensing arm 50 defining an opening 52. This opening 52 is normally
configured
to receive a spindle (not shown) that passes through the center of a core roll
product as in a conventional bathroom tissue dispenser. Alternatively and/or
additionaliy, the opening 52 may be adapted to receive a spindle on which the
core
roll product was wound or otherwise provided with. Conventional core roll
product
dispensers typically have two of these dispensing arms (with openings 52)
mounted in a frame. Some conventional dispensers may have sides instead of
arms and may have openings configured in the sides. In either case, the arms
or
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sides and corresponding openings are separated by a distance that is slightly
greater than the width of the roll of the core roll product to be dispensed.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary adapter mounted on the
conventional core roll product dispensing arm 50 shown in FIG. 5. The adapter
10
5 fits into the opening 52 shown in FIG. 5. In this illustration, a portion of
the adapter
housing 12 is shown extending from the arm 50. A plunger 20 is shown
protruding
from an opening 16 at an end the housing 12. Mounting adapters 10 on each arm
of a conventional core roll product dispenser quickly and easily converts a
conventional dispenser to a coreless roll product dispenser. Retractable
plungers
10 20 protruding from each arm are adapted to fit into depressions defined at
each
end of the coreless roll product.
FIG. 7 is an illustration of another exemplary adapter mounted on the
conventional core roll product dispensing arm 50 shown in FIG. 5. This adapter
is
configured with a mounting base 40 attached to the housing 12 generally as
shown in FIG. 4. The large mounting base 40 stabilizes the adapter 10 when
forces are applied during loading and/or dispensing. The large mounting base
40
also provides a greater area for adhesive attachment if such attachment means
are used.
In an embodiment of the invention, the opening 16 at the end 18 of the
central cavity 14 may be circular. The opening 16 may also be any suitable
shape
or cross-section. For example, the opening 16 may be triangular, square,
diamond, semi-circular, "X", "Y" or "T" -shaped or the like. Desirably, the
opening
at the end of the central cavity will match the cross-section of the plunger.
Accordingly, the plunger may have a cross-section that is circular,
triangular,
square, diamond, semi-circular, "X", "Y" or "T" -shaped or the like.
Generally speaking, it is desirable for the plunger to have a cross-section
width that is slightly greater than the width of the depression in the end of
the
coreless roll product. This configuration helps secure the roll when loaded,
prevents overspin of the roll during dispensing, and assists in holding the
roll as
the roll is depleted. For example, if the depressions defined in both ends of
the
coreless roll have a diameter of slightly less than 1 centimeter (e.g., -0.9
cm) the
plunger desirably will have a diameter or width of about 1 centimeter or
slightly
greater than 1 centimeter.
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In an embodiment of the invention, it is desirable that the plunger has a
cross-section width of at least 1 centimeter (approximately 1/2 inch). If the
plunger
has a circular cross-section, it is desirable that the diameter be at least 1
centimeter. The distal end of the plunger may have a radius of curvature and
desirably defines a hemisphere. The rounded tip serves as a centering device
for
loading the roll and eases loading by providing a leading edge. The straight
sides
of the plunger help keep the roll from wobbling during dispensing, help the
roll
rotate freely and avoid damage to the roll during dispensing. Of course, other
geometries are contemplated for the shape of the distal end of the plunger. It
is
also contemplated that the plunger may have a narrow width or a variable
width.
Desirably , the distal end of the plunger extends from the opening at the
end of the housing for a distance that is greater than the width of the
plunger. For
example, if the plunger has a cross-section width of about 1 centimeter, it is
desirable for the distal end of the plunger to extend more than about 1
centimeter
from the opening at the end of the housing. As a further example, the distal
end of
the plunger may extend for 1.25 centimeters, 1. 5 centimeters, 1.75
centimeters,
2.0 centimeters, or 2.25 centimeters or more. A greater extension of the
plunger
helps provides greater penetration into the depressions defined at the ends of
the
coreless roll product. Good penetration of the plunger into the coreless roll
and
the straight, smooth sides of the plunger help to prevent pilferage of the
coreless
roll product from the dispenser by making it difficult to get a grip on the
plunger to
push it back into a retracted position and unload the roll. Thus the product
may be
loaded on the dispenser until the roll is entirely depleted.
A retracting means in communication with the retractable plunger may be
used for retracting the plunger against the force applied by the resilient
means.
The retracting means may be a knob, a lever and cam mechanism, a pull or the
like. This feature is optional and may be located opposite the plunger (i.e.,
on the
opposite side of the housing as the plunger). In other embodiments of the
invention, a locking means for holding the retractable plunger in an extended
position may be included in the adapter. The locking means may be a cam,
lever,
ratchet, cotter pin or the like. The locking means may be activated by a key
or pin.
Such a locidng means would be desirable for adapters used in environments
where pilferage of product may be encountered. The locking means on the
plunger
would discourage unloading of the coreless roll by make it even more difficult
to
*rB
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push back or retract the plungers out of the depressions defined in the ends
of the
coreless roll product.
The present invention also encompasses a dispenser for dispensing a
coreless roll product having a pair of depressions defined in the ends of the
coreless roll. Many different types of products may be produced in a coreless
roll
format. For example, commercial and consumer absorbent products such as shop
towels, nonwoven fabrics, wipers, bathroom tissue and paper towels are often
distributed and dispensed in roll format. Referring now to FIGS. 8-10 and in
particular to FIG. 8, there is shown a dispenser 100 for dispensing coreless
roll
products 200 (shown in broken lines) having a pair of depressions defined in
the
ends of the coreless roll.
The dispenser 100 includes a frame 114 that has mounting holes 116
defined therein for permitting the frame to be mounted to a stationary
surface,
such as a wall. The dispenser 100 further includes a coreless roll securing
mechanism 118 for securing a coreless roll 200 of product (e.g., bathroom
tissue)
for rotation within the frame 114. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8, the
coreless roll securing mechanism 118 includes a first arm 120, a second,
central
arm 122 and a third arm 124.
The dispenser 100 depicted in FIG. 8 is designed to accommodate two
rolls of coreless roll product (e.g., bathroom tissue), much in the manner of
many
conventional dispensers that are available for commercial application.
Desirably,
the outer arms 120, 124 are constructed so they are rigid and will not move.
However, in an embodiment of the invention, the outer arms 120, 124 may be
made of a resilient material, such as spring steel, and are configured so they
will
be slightly displaced when a coreless roil is secured between the central arm
122
and the respective outer arms 120, 124. In this way, the outer arms 120, 124
will
bias the respective coreless roll 200 toward the central arm 122.
One important advantage of the invention is that the coreless roll securing
mechanism 118 is designed to prevent radial displacement of the coreless rolls
200 with respect to the frame 114 of the dispenser 100 during use, so that a
coreless roll can be dispensed without fear of radial displacement during use
as
confidently as a conventional cored roll of absorbent paper product can be.
Desirably, this is achieved by providing elements 128 on inner surfaces 126
of the respective arms 120, 122, 124 of the securing mechanism 118. Each
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element 128 is configured essentially in accordance with the adapter
construction
shown in FIG. 1. As an example and with reference to FIG. 1, each element may
include a housing 12 defining a central cavity 14 and an opening 16 at an end
18
of the central cavity 14. The housing may be an integral part of the
respective
arms 120, 122, and 124 (shown in FIG. 8) or may be a discrete unit that is
attached to each of the arms. Each element includes a retractable plunger 20
having a distal end 22, a central shaft 24, and a base 26. Each element also
includes a resilient means 28 in communication with the plunger 20.
The elements 128 of the securing mechanism 118 may optionally include
an attachment means 30 as shown for the adapter construction of FIG. 1. The
attachment means may be used if the housing is constructed as a discrete unit
and is not integral with the arms of the securing mechanism (i.e., if the
housing is
not molded, welded, constructed, formed, etc. as part of the arms of the
securing
mechanism). Other features of the elements 128 of the securing mechanism 118
are essentially in accordance with the adapter construction as shown in FIGS.
2-4.
For example, the elements 128 may be constructed to include a backing
plate be attached to the housing to keep the resilient means contained within
the
element and to allow for convenient placement of the plunger into the central
cavity of the housing. Generally speaking, the retractable plunger is
configured so
the base and a first portion of the central shaft is retained in the housing
and the
distal end and a second portion of the central shaft extends through the
opening
at an end of the central cavity so the plunger is adapted to penetrate a
depression
defined at an end of a coreless roll product. The plunger may be configured so
it is
essentially fixed or unable to rotate about an axis. In such case, it is
desirable that
the plunger be constructed of materials providing low levels of friction to
allow the
coreless roll to rotate freely. Alternatively, the plunger may be configured
so it
may rotate freely. It is contemplated that the plunger may be configured so it
is
able to rotate with the coreless roll during dispensing.
The retractable plunger may further include a retaining means for
preventing the retractable plunger from passing entirely through the opening
at an
end of the central cavity. Generally speaking, the base of the plunger may
serve
as the retaining means. This may be accomplished by constructing the plunger
so
the width of its base is greater than the width of the opening at the end of
the
central cavity. This difference in physical size prevents the plunger from
passing
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14
entirely through the opening. However, it is contemplated that may other types
of
retaining means may be used. Examples may include, but are not limited to,
flanges, lips, pins, collars, rings, wedges, clips, posts, chains, leads, or
similar
structures or devices.
The resilient means is configured to provide or apply a force against the
plunger so the plunger is adapted to retract into the central cavity when a
greater
opposing force is applied against its distal end during loading and extend
when the
greater opposing force is removed. The resilient means in communication with
the
plunger may be a spring, clip, sponge, elastomeric material or the like which
can
be compressed, wound or drawn so the plunger may be retracted and which
exerts a force while compressed, wound or drawn so the plunger can be
extended.
In an embodiment, the base of the plunger may be configured to define an
opening to a cavity at the interior of the plunger. The resilient means may
protrude
into the cavity at the interior of the plunger. For example, if the resilient
means is a
spring, the spring may protrude into the base of the plunger.
Referring to FIG. 8, a number of retractable plungers 20 extend inwardly
from the respective elements 128 toward where the coreless roll 200 of product
will be held during operation. These retractable plungers 30 are specifically
designed to penetrate the depressions defined at each end of the coreless roll
to
secure the coreless roll against pilferage and to prevent radial displacement
of the
coreless roll during use.
In embodiments of the invention where the arms 120 and 124 are
constructed out of resilient material, it will be appreciated that the biasing
provided
by the resiliency of arms will aid the plungers 20 in penetrating depressions
defined at the ends of the coreless roll and enhance the securement of the
coreless rolls within the dispenser 100 during use.
Desirably, the dispenser 100 includes a cover 130 that is hinged to the
frame 114 by hinges 132. A sliding window 134 may be provided in the cover 130
to selectively expose the roll 200 of coreless roll product that is being
dispensed at
a particular point in time, and to deny access to the other roll or vacated
mounting
location. The cover 130, hinges 132, and the sliding window 134 are
conventional.
Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown another embodiment of
the present invention. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an exemplary dispenser 140
for
dispensing a coreless roll 200 of product. The dispenser 140 indudes a frame
142,
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which is embodied as a relatively simplified shield about the space where the
coreiess roll 200 will be positioned during use. The frame 142 has mounting
holes
144 defined in a rear portion thereof for mounting the dispenser 140 to a
stationary
surface, such as a wall. The dispenser 140 further includes a coreless roll=
5 securing mechanism 146 that is embodied as a first arm 148 and a second
arm 150. A pair of elements 152 mounted to the respective arms 148, 150 and
have plungers 20 thereon that are constructed and arranged to penetrate into
the
depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll in the manner described
above. It is contemplated that the elements 152 may be molded, formed, cast,
10 welded or otherwise constructed as an integral part of the arms 148 and 152
instead of being discrete units mounted on the arms.
It is contemplated that only one of the elements needs to be configured so
that its plunger is retractable to achieve satisfactory operation of the
present
invention (e.g., to load of the dispenser). Desirably, both or all elements
wili be
15 configured so the plungers will be retractable.
The present invention also encompasses a method of installing a coreless
roll having a pair of depressions defined at opposite ends of the roll in a
dispenser.
The method includes the steps of: (a) applying a force to at least one
retractable
plunger to retract the plunger; (b) orienting a coreless roll with a pair of
depressions at opposite ends of the roll so at least one depression is
adjacent at
least one plunger; (c) securing the coreless roll to the dispenser by
penetrating at
least one depression in the coreless roll with at least one plunger. The
method of
the present invention encompasses embodiments where step (b) involves
orienting the coreless roll so both depressions are adjacent plungers. The
method
of the present invention further encompasses embodiments where step (c)
involves penetrating both depressions with plungers.
The method of the present invention may further involve resiliently biasing
the plungers into the coreless roll during operation.
It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics
and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing
description, together with details of the structure and function of the
invention, the
disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially
in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the
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16
invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the
terms in
which the appended claims are expressed.
